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Space Shuttle: Difference between revisions
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→Lift / Drag
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=== Lift / Drag === | === Lift / Drag === | ||
Despite being designed for a gliding approach and landing, the Shuttle is not actually a very good glider - even close to approach, the glide ratio (i.e. L/D) reaches about 4.5, much less than most normal planes would have. | |||
[[File:L-D-mach.gif|500px|Lift to drag as a function of AoA for different Mach numbers]] | [[File:L-D-mach.gif|500px|Lift to drag as a function of AoA for different Mach numbers]] | ||
The maximum of L/D varies somewhat with Mach number, however for hypersonic flight thermal constraints force a high AoA and aerodynamical efficiency is a secondary concern. Only in the supersonic to subsonic phase is the Shuttle flown close to its optimum glide ratio. | |||
=== Longitudinal Dynamics === | === Longitudinal Dynamics === | ||